SUMMARYA mild autumn with few storms or wind has resulted in sustained fall color across the Eastern Sierra. Leaves remain brightly colored at 7,000’, although peak is now down to 6,000’ throughout much of California. The Eastern Sierra should continue to be beautiful for another week, weather permitting. Yosemite National Park is reporting mixed color by specie, with the bigleaf maple already turned. Dogwood and black oak are still colorful and promise great leaf peeping into early November in Yosemite Valley. Hwy 299 from Arcata to Redding is showing good color, particularly near Weaverville. Modoc County, Plumas County and the Bizz Johnson Trail near Susanville are all at peak. Redding is just beginning to show signs of color, as are many of the state’s urban forests.

Here’s what’s been reported this week by region:

SHASTA CASCADE0 – 15% – Redding - With color descending throughout California (now peaking at 6,000′), color spotter Jenny Zink reports from Redding that color is appearing two weeks later than normal. She attribute’s Redding’s clear skies and warm daytime temps (second sunniest city in America) as helping to keep the trees green so far. However, the first signs of yellow are now appearing in riparian areas long the Sacramento River and autumn for Redding cannot be far behind. If heading north, you’ll find color in the higher areas surrounding Redding: Hwy 299 between Redding and Weaverville, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and MacArthur Burney Memorial Falls State Park. Plan on this area coloring up over the next two weeks, weather permitting.

Butte County:15-30%- Butte County- Susan at the Oroville chamber reports that about 30% of Butte County’s trees have begun shifting from summer yellow to deep autumn red, a few are beginning to lose leaves.

Shasta County:0-15% – Whiskeytown National Recreation Area- Sheila of Whiskeytown NRA says the national park is beginning to experience peeks of fall color changes. The tips of leaves are beginning to show signs of a rust color, but they seem to still enjoy their brilliant green. The wind is beginning to pick up, so if sailing/boating is a passion of yours, check out this transform from the lake.

30-50%- Burney Falls State Park- According to the Burney Falls Chamber, there are vibrant oranges and reds being seen on the maple trees in town. On Main Street near Cal Trans the trees change is in full peak. Also, on 299 there are trees showing their spots here and there. There is more change to come in the town of Burney.

Tehama County:30-50%- Lassen Volcanic National Park- Melani at Lassen Volcanic reports the autumn shift is in full swing with everything from the top tips of the Aspens to the lowly ferns shifting into brilliant shades of yellow, gold, and chocolate brown. There is still some green to be seen, but not for much longer. Melani found Hat Creek and the Devastation Area to be inspirational with the aspens and ferns changing from green to yellows, golds, and browns.

Lassen County:50-75%- Bizz Johnson Trail- “Gorgeous” is the word Stan from the Eagle Lake Field Office used to describe the landscape that can be seen along the Bizz Johnson Trail. This week is said to be the peak of the color change with the Aspens in full transformation into a rich gold and yellow. Along the river pines, oaks, and sagebrush are flaunting brilliant yellows and oranges, while in town Maple trees are displaying vibrant reds.

Saturday, Oct. 29 is the last day to catch Lassen Lands & Trails Trust’s “Take the Bus, Bike the Bizz” event, offering shuttle services to enjoy the beautiful fall colors while biking the trail. Bikers must reserve a spot to shuttle their bike to and from the trail. Catch the bus at the Historic Susanville Railroad Depot (check-in at 8:00am) to Devil’s Corral. Bus fares range from $2-$3 depending on your destination to Devil’s Corral or Westwood. They also recommend parking at the junction of A-21 and hwy 36 in Westwood, parking your vehicle and riding the trail, then taking the shuttle back to Westwood. However you decide to “Bike the Bizz” Don’t miss out on this fall beauty! 530-257-3252

Siskiyou County:30-50%- Mt. Shasta- The Mt Shasta Ranger Station reports the area is just now starting to experience fall color changes, which can be seen in the aspens, birch, and maples, located in the mid-elevation, mainly around Lake Siskiyou and Castle Lake. The trees are just starting to show shades of yellow, orange and golden tones, with the suspected peak of the color beginning within the next few weeks. But all that could change overnight with a cold spell, so they are in a limbo place. The dogwood, oaks and ferns will be coming in red soon, and the maples a bright yellow.

Trinity County:15-30%- Weaverville- Cindy at the Weaverville Ranger Station reports the trees are just starting to change along Hwy 299 near Weaverville between Arcata and Redding, but they are being stubborn to give up their summer glow. Most color can be seen from oaks, maples, and locusts which are turning yellow with a hint of red.

Plumas County: 75-100% Plumas County- The waterways and surrounding areas around the county are overflowing with dynamic fall colors. Dogwoods, Aspens, and Maples are reaching their color peak with bright yellows and deep oranges. Even the Indian Rhubarb is showing up and displaying itself in shades of red and orange. Want to see the true colors of fall? Recommendations are to stick to the off-road forest service trails to see some true surprises of nature. These colors are sure to go about another week or two. Susie Bracken says colors are just exploding with Quincy, Antelope Lake, and the entire off road forest service routes in full color. The oaks are a little slow but the maples are displaying a bright yellow and the Indian Rhubar a vibrant deep red. There are many surprises to be found and it should last for another few weeks.

Modoc County:75-100% Modoc County- The aspens have been changing yellowish to orange tones making for an incredible backdrop. Most of the fall colors have changed. As far as the high country goes, autumn is on its way to winter.

EASTERN SIERRAPhotographer Rob Bohning was out and about the east side and reports though many of the areas are past peak, there’s still a lot of beauty to be seen.

Past Peak – Bishop Creek Canyon - There’s still a lot of great color with golden aspen at peak. Intake II off Hwy 168 had awesome orange and gold around the lake. Also, Aspendell was a great surprise and the aspen there was peak.

Past Peak – McGee Creek Canyon - Though past peak, there’s still lots of nice color along the hike with about 70-80% remain

Past Peak – Convict Lake - About 50-60% remain

Past Peak – June Lake Loop - This is a mixed bag. Grant Lake has the most color. As you drive towards Silver lake, there is some great color on the right side, some has not begun to change, and some is full peak. Near Silver Lake, most color around the lake is now past peak, though about 70% remain. Driving further along Hwy 158 towards Gull Lake there is some nice color on both sides of the road. June Lake color is also past peak, about 50-60% remain.

75 – 100% – Lundy Canyon - Some vibrant oranges and reds speckled throughout. Lundy Lake is past peak, though still gorgeous with 70% of leaves remaining. At Lundy Canyon many of the leaves have fallen or are now falling, though bright color still remains. Alicia Vennos describes the aspen as, “a mix of still-vibrant color along with trees that have already lost their leaves… Lundy Canyon, June Lake Loop, McGee Creek and Lower Rock Creek along the bike trail, are the best bets.”

Past Peak – Conway Summit – Though the summit is past peak, some great color, about 80%, remains

75 – 100% - Hope Valley – Mike Coutney, a photographer posting on CalPhoto.com wrote, “I went up to Hope Valley on 10/22. I've never seen the amount of aspen color there that I saw this trip. I think it was just about at peak. I'd estimate the color at about 95% peak in the area. Saw aspens that I never knew were there before.”

The Marin Humane Society temporarily reduced feline adoption fees in response to a nearly 20% decrease in cat and kitten adoptions. Feline adoption fees are reduced by 50% during a month-long adopt-a-thon that runs through November 30. The Adoption Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The organization reports that 681 cats have been adopted so far in 2011, compared to 846 for the same period in 2010. “We hope that these reduced adoption fees will inspire people to adopt,” says Tricia Breen, director of animal care and adoptions. “From energetic kittens to mellow adults, a cat in your life can add a special blend of warmth and companionship, especially during the cooler winter season.”

The fifth edition of the ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) State Energy Efficiency Scorecard shows that the top 10 states are: Massachusetts (taking the #1 position for the first time); California (slipping from the top spot it held for the first four editions of the ACEEE Scorecard); New York State; Oregon; Vermont; Washington State; Rhode Island; Minnesota, Connecticut; and Maryland (making its first appearance in the top 10 and also one of the six most improved states in the 2011 ACEEE Scorecard).

The 10 states most in need of improvement (starting with dead last) are: North Dakota; Wyoming; Mississippi; Kansas; Oklahoma; South Carolina; West Virginia; Missouri; Alabama (also one of the top six most improved states); and South Dakota.

The six most improved states include Michigan, Illinois, Nebraska, Alabama, Maryland, and Tennessee.

OTHER KEY FINDINGS

Facing uncertain economic times, states are continuing to use energy efficiency as a key strategy to generate cost-savings, promote technological innovation, and stimulate growth. The ACEEE Scorecard documents the following trends:

* Total budgets for electricity efficiency programs increased to $4.5 billion in 2010, up from $3.4 billion in 2009. Combined with natural gas program budgets of about $1 billion, total energy efficiency budgets in 2010 equal about $5.5 billion. Given the increasing regulatory commitments to energy efficiency, this growth will likely continue over the next decade.

* Twenty-nine (29) states have either adopted or have made significant progress toward the adoption of the latest energy-saving building codes for homes and commercial properties – up from twenty in 2010 and ten in 2009.

* Twenty-four (24) states have adopted an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS), which sets long-term energy savings targets and drives utility-sector investments in energy efficiency programs. States that adopted EERS policies in 2007 and 2008 are now realizing significant energy savings and moving ahead in the Scorecard rankings.

* States continue to improve policies to reduce financial, technical, and regulatory barriers to adoption and deployment of combined heat and power (CHP) systems, which generate electricity and thermal energy in an integrated system. Tremendous potential remains for CHP, particularly in states with heavy industrial and manufacturing bases.

* A group of leading states remains ahead of the curve in adopting policies to reduce vehicle miles traveled and promote the purchase and manufacture of efficient vehicles. A major gap exists, however, as over half the states have minimal or no policies to encourage efficiency in the transportation sector.

METHODOLOGY

This ACEEE Scorecard provides a comprehensive assessment of policy and programs that improve energy efficiency in our homes, businesses, industry, and transportation sectors. The Scorecard examines six state energy efficiency policy areas and presents these results in six chapters: (1) utility and public benefits programs and policies; (2) transportation policies; (3) building energy codes; (4) combined heat and power; (5) state government initiatives; and (6) appliance efficiency standards. States can earn up to 50 possible points in these six policy areas combined, with the maximum possible points in each area weighted by the magnitude of its potential energy savings impact.

ABOUT ACEEE

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. For information about ACEEE and its programs, publications, and conferences, visit www.aceee.org.

Description: Blondie is a little shy at first but warms up pretty quickly. Once she's comfortable she enjoys attention and lap time. Taking her to a training class would be a great way to build her confidence and help her bond with her new adopters!

You were nervous when you first started but now you seem comfortable and seem like you're being yourself. I'll be honest--sure, I watch other channel too..why do weathercasters/meteorologists call every weather system a "storm"? Viewers are not stupid... if you were in Florida and you said a storm was coming...it would have a serious connotation.

Keep up the great work..Donald

Hi Donald,

Technically, any organized weather producing entity could be called a storm. The term is very general.

Here are more beautiful fall color photos taken this past Saturdayin Lundy Canyon by Alicia Vennos.

This autumn got started later than normal and with warm days, cold nights and little wind, the color is lasting. Color spotters in the Eastern Sierra are predicting the color to last at least another week (should it not blow). Color is now appearing in Yosemite Valley (5,000’) and the Shasta Cascade (Hwy 299) to the North Coast (Hwy 101). The first signs of color have been reported in Southern California.

The California Department of a Parks and Recreation with the assistance of CAL FIRE, San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit remain at scene of the successful Vegetation Management Prescribed Burn at Big Basin State Park.

The burn was initiated October 19th between Johansen Road, Gazos Creek Road and Middle Ridge in northern Santa Cruz County and southern San Mateo County. The prescribed burn is well within robust containment lines and surrounded by roads.

Variable weather conditions have resulted in smoke dispersal over much of the San Mateo peninsula and northern Santa Cruz County. Due to fluctuating winds, residence in both counties might experience occasional periods of smoke conditions over the next several days and is not cause for alarm.

The prescribed burn was conducted to regenerate and enhance natural resources, including old growth redwood stands, and protection against large, damaging wild land fires. Resources will remain on scene, patrolling the fire area, until the burn is completely out.